What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

The term arthroscopy comes from two Greek words, “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look). It refers to an orthopedic procedure that surgeons use to examine, diagnose, and treat problems of the joint.

Ortho House’s shoulder arthroscopy is a surgery where the surgeon creates small incisions (about 1 centimeter each). Then, using a small camera device (arthroscope), the surgeon inspects or repairs the tissues inside or around the shoulder joint. This is all performed using Ortho House arthroscopy techniques and products.

Shoulder arthroscopy has been performed since the 1970s. Ortho House understands how advancements in the field has made the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from surgery easier, smoother, and faster. With the constant improvements and updates to shoulder arthroscopy, new instruments and techniques are developed. Ortho House is committed to delivering top-notch devices and instruments to assist surgeons and hospitals in delivering the best services for their patients.

Arthroscopic vs. Open Surgery

Now, are arthroscopic surgeries more superior to open joint surgeries? First, Otho House will explain the difference between both procedures.

Open surgery uses larger incisions allowing the surgeon to look directly into the joint. It might be beneficial for certain procedures under certain circumstances. Some surgeons feel that directly looking at the area of damage can allow for better and stronger repair of damaged structures. On the other hand, arthroscopic surgery uses smaller incisions and less tissue damage.

So, going back to our main question, which one is more superior? Based on OrthoHouse’s knowledge in the field, we can conclude that it depends on:

1. The purpose of the procedure
2. The patient’s specific condition
3. The surgeon’s experience

If you are a patient about to undergo one of those procedures, OrthoHouse recommends that you discuss both options with your surgeon to determine the best procedure for your case.

Anatomy of the shoulder

The human shoulder is a complex joint that has a wider range of motion than any other joint in the body. It is made up of three bones: upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle).

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that form a cuff over the shoulder joint. This cuff holds the arm in the shoulder joint and makes the shoulder move in different directions.

When is Shoulder Arthroscopy Recommended?

Injury, overuse, and age-related wear and tear are responsible for most shoulder problems. If the patient has a painful condition in their shoulder that doesn’t respond to non-surgical approaches (such as rest, physical therapy, medications, etc.), the surgeon may recommend Ortho House products for shoulder arthroscopy.

Ortho House shoulder arthroscopy technologies may relieve painful symptoms of many problems that damage the rotator cuff tendons, labrum, articular cartilage, and other soft tissues surrounding the joint.

Common Ortho House arthroscopic procedures include:

• Rotator cuff repair
• Removal or repair of the labrum
• Repair of ligaments
• Removal of inflamed tissue or loose cartilage
• Repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation

Less common Ortho House procedures such as nerve release, fracture repair, and cyst excision can also be performed using an arthroscope. Some surgical procedures, such as shoulder replacement, still require open surgery with more extensive incisions.

Types of Shoulder Arthroscopy:

As we mentioned before, shoulder arthroscopy is a procedure that can be used for several purposes. In this section, Ortho House will break down the aforementioned types of surgeries performed.

Rotator Cuff Repair

Treatment of rotator cuff tears using shoulder arthroscopy can vary. There is no current consensus regarding which procedure is better for this condition. Some orthopedic surgeons treat all rotator cuff tears arthroscopically, some choose arthroscopy for particular tears, and others treat all tears with open surgery.

Using Ortho House’s products, surgeons can perform the following during rotator cuff repair surgery:

• The edges of the tendon are brought together. The tendon is attached to the bone with sutures.
• Small rivets (called suture anchors) are often used to help attach the tendon to the bone.
• The anchors can be made of metal or plastic. They do not need to be removed after surgery.

Shoulder Instability—Labral Tears

The labrum is the cartilage that lines the rim of the shoulder joint. Labral tears are commonly treated with arthroscopy.

Labral tears include:

• Bankart lesion: A tear on the labrum in the lower part of the shoulder joint.
• SLAP lesion: It involves the labrum and the ligament on the top part of the shoulder joint.

Shoulder Bursitis

Patients with shoulder bursitis, also called impingement syndrome, that is not cured with non-surgical treatments may consider a procedure called an arthroscopic subacromial decompression.

In this procedure, the surgeon uses Ortho House products to remove the inflamed bursa and some bone from the irritated area around the rotator cuff tendons.

During impingement syndrome surgery:

• The damaged or inflamed tissue is cleaned out in the area above the shoulder joint.
• A ligament called the coracoacromial ligament may be cut.

After removing these tissues, more space is created for the tendons, and the inflammation subsides. However, this procedure is often performed in conjunction with other procedures to address other problems in the shoulder at the same time.

Biceps Tendonitis

In some cases, the biceps tendon can become irritated and inflamed as an isolated problem or in association with other problems – such as impingement syndrome and rotator cuff tears.

When the biceps tendon is damaged and causing pain, a procedure called biceps tendonitis can be performed. Using Ortho House arthroscopy technology, the surgeon removes the diseased portion and reattaches the tendon. This procedure usually causes no functional deficit, but often relieves symptoms.

Frozen Shoulder

This condition rarely requires operative treatment, and trying other treatment options for many months or years is often recommended before considering it. As a final resort, frozen shoulder can be treated surgically. But it is of utmost importance to begin aggressive physical therapy immediately following surgery; without this, the condition might relapse.

AC Joint Arthritis

The AC joint, or acromioclavicular joint, is occasionally affected by arthritis. When arthritis of the AC joint is severe, surgeons can use Ortho House’s technology to remove the damaged end of the clavicle (collarbone) arthroscopically. By removing the damaged part of the joint, the symptoms of AC arthritis are often relieved.

To conclude, Ortho House is committed to delivering world-class products to orthopedic surgeons to assist them to perform the previously mentioned procedures with the highest standards.